1. Selected Poems
Emily Dickinson

2. About the Author
She rarely ventured outside the confides of her home yet her writing knew no such boundaries.
She was born in a well to do family
Her poems were not really found until she was dead
She had am eye problem and feared that she might go blind

3. Words to Know
Quatrains – four-line stanza, that echo the simple rhythms of church hymns
Slant Rhyme – words that do not exactly rhyme (Chill/tulle)
Figurative Language – includes similes, metaphors, and personification

4. Poem Summaries
Because I could not stop for Death: The speaker describes a ride in Death’s carriage
Success is counted sweetest: That speaker notes that people who fail appreciate success the most
Much Madness is divinest Sense: The speaker notes that standards of “Madness” and “Sense” are determined by the majority.
My life closed twice before its close: The speaker reflects upon the pain of parting

5. Poem Summaries
The Soul selects her own Society: The speaker conveys the experiences of choosing a friend
I heard a Fly buzz – when I died: The speaker describes her final moments in life, the climax of which is interrupted by a buzzing fly
My life has stood - a Loaded gun: The speaker compares her life to a loaded gun

6. Poem Analysis/Date Assignment
Choose one poem to complete a analysis. The analysis will be done in your notebook and you will be turning it in TODAY!
Write out poem
Identify literary devices
Summary
Tone
Picture
Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson Date <3
With a partner you are going to complete the date assignment. It is due at the end of the class period remember:
Must include biographical information
Integrate at least 5 lines of poetry from EACH poet